For details and information concerning this release, please contact Anne Pitre, Public Relations Manager and Executive Assistant to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, at 228-382-2086.

January 30, 2012:  for immediate release

City of Ocean Springs Public Safety Complex Ribbon Cutting

Friday, February 3 at 4:00

Ocean Springs, MS:  The City of Ocean Springs will hold a ribbon cutting for the new Public Safety Complex on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.  The new 27,000 sq. ft. facility is located at 3810 Bienville Boulevard, and will house the police station, municipal court, and correctional facility.  Municipal Judge Matthew Mestayer is very much looking forward to use of the new facility.  “It is spectacular,” he says.  “It was much needed, as we had outgrown the old one.  It is consistent with the new direction in which the city is headed.”

Chief Lionel Cothern says, “The new station is the biggest morale booster the city’s administration could have given to the law enforcement community.  This new facility will allow us room to grow, and will help us to serve the public’s safety needs even better than before.”

The project was funded by the 2% food and beverage referendum, and cost approximately $4,000,000.  “We invite the public to join us for this exciting event,” said Mayor Connie Moran.  “Our police officers put their lives on the line for our safety everyday, and we are proud to honor them with this new facility.”

Anne Pitre

Public Relations Officer/Executive Assistant

City of Ocean Springs

(p)  228.875.6722

(c)  228.382.2086

Ocean Springs, MS – Aspiring leaders of tomorrow from Magnolia Park Elementary School were given access to local government departments during their tour last month.  The eager second-graders got an up close look at the most fascinating parts of City Hall, Fire Department, Police Department, the Ocean Springs Municipal Library and the Little Children’s Park.  You may wonder what City Hall has to offer that can captivate 7- and 8-year olds, the Board Room.  There is something about those big chairs and a microphone that can make even the youngest of us want to change the world.

After City Hall the little Magnolias were delighted to see Ocean Springs’ Firefighter Justin Burt and Sparky, the Fire Department mascot.  Lieutenant Bruce Cox also talked with children and their chaperones about fire safety at home, how to escape during a fire and the importance of having a plan. Lt Cox wrapped up his time with the young visitors by giving them a guided tour of Engine One as he described its features.  Then Officers Leonard Ordonez, Will Collier and Stephanie Ramirez from the Police Department explained to the children that they should never be afraid to call the police for help, how to stay safe and not break the law.  The officers finished with the flashing lights and horns while letting the excited kids climb in and out of the traffic enforcement car.  

At the city library the children browsed through the children’s books and the librarians discussed upcoming events and activities.  The tour ended with a trip to a place that’s just for them, The Little Children’s Park and whatever energy the second-graders had left was put to good use on the playground.  The City of Ocean Springs has something for everyone to discover. 

Annual Tree Lighting With Santa

Ocean Springs, MS – The Christmas season has arrived and in Ocean Springs, The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ocean Springs made it official with the Annual Tree Lighting with Santa in Marshall Park.  The Mayor’s Youth Council played a critical role as well as assisting with decorating, singing, costumes and collecting goods for the food drive.  The Tree Lighting festivities included carolers, story time, a letter writing station, a food drive, and of course the big guy himself, Santa. 

The evening was opened with caroling by Olivia Day, Sanders Edmonson, Lizzy Wicks, and Colleen Townsend from the Mayor’s Youth Council.  Next, Alyson Randall, a librarian from the Ocean Springs Municipal Library read the Twas ’ the Night before Christmas to the attentive crowd.  Mayor Connie Moran gave a warm welcome to the attendees and announced Santa’s arrival.  Throughout the evening the children relished at the opportunity to write the words “Dear Santa…” and tell him what they really wanted for Christmas.  The Ocean Springs Postmaster, George Craig, made a special delivery on behalf of the U. S. Post Office, Santa’s Express mailbox which promised next day delivery to the North Pole.  Santa’s cheeks were flush and rosy as he smiled and took pictures with children of all ages.  There were also refreshments provided by the Salvation Army while The Lord is My Help volunteers received donations.  It twas truly a joyous evening full of wonderful memories that will be cherished for years to come.

The City of Ocean Springs was given special recognition for their work in preserving and maintaining the beautiful live oak tree canopy that is an important part of the city’s character.  The awards were given to Ocean Springs for local activities, including the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway, and partnering with civic organizations such as the Ocean Springs Garden Club, Boy Scouts, Mayor’s Youth Council, MS Renaissance Garden and Master Gardeners of Jackson County for beautification projects. 

“Our trees are our greatest natural asset,” said Mayor Connie Moran.  “Our citizens highly value our trees and take pride in our beautiful community.  ‘Green brings Green’ – we find that keeping our community clean and green attracts visitors to shop, dine and hopefully move here.”

The after school care program offers affordable, quality child care for children ages 5 – 12.  Hours of operation are from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Children are provided transportation from elementary schools in the Ocean Springs School District to the after school care program.  The program follows the Ocean Springs School District calendar.  Weekly fees are $40 per week for one child and $70 per week for two children.  The program also offers full day holiday camps from 6:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The City of Ocean Springs Parks & Leisure Services after school care program is licensed by the State of Mississippi.  For additional information, call 228-875-8665.

The interior renovations are the final phase of the total renovation project to the historic building that included installation of a new foundation, masonry repairs, painting, wood floor repairs, adding new door hardware, replacing damaged portions of decorative precast concrete at the front entry, and a high-tech polyurethane coating for the 10,000 sq. ft. roof.

Interior renovations include painting, dry wall repairs, light fixture repairs, new door hardware, and other repairs caused by age of the building and former roof leaks.

“The Mary C. O’Keefe Center is our local treasure,” said Mayor Connie Moran.  “Renovations began with a core group of dedicated citizens in the 1990s and now we are finally nearing completion of making this dream of a vibrant arts center become a reality.

Local architect Dennis Cowart is leading the project in collaboration with the City of Ocean Springs and Friends of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts & Education.  The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts & Education has remained open to the public during all phases of renovation.  All work is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

Johnny Groue, PW Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations, Gerald Groue, PW Water Supervisor, and Ronnie Ducksworth, PW Assistant Supervisor of the Street Department, presented gift cards to the Wren, MS Water District Office.

“The City of Ocean Springs and the Ocean Springs Police Department continues to provide their employees with the opportunity to receive the best training and education possible,” said Chief Lionel Cothern. 

“I want to thank the city for having the confidence in me to attend such a strenuous program,” said Capt. Jackson, OSPD Traffic Commander.  “In my 26 years of police service, this program was the most challenging and rewarding.”

The Public Works Department is recommending restricted use of water sprinklers and other outdoor water devices during peak water consumption hours, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily.  Another recommendation from the department is limiting lawn watering to once a week with even numbered addresses watering before 8 a.m. on Tuesday mornings, and odd numbered addresses watering lawns before 8 a.m. on Thursday mornings. 

“The Board and I, along with city staff, welcome Mrs. Pierce to City Hall,” said Mayor Connie Moran. “Her strong background in administration and customer service will make her an excellent addition to our team.”

Residents of Ocean Springs, Mrs. Pierce and her husband enjoy fishing and outdoor activities on the MS Gulf Coast. 

Dianna Pierce